Roseville performing arts groups earn Elly nominations

File photoChelsea Fitzsimmons, left, and Delaney Feener dance during rehearsals for "Godspell" at Tower Theater in July 2011. Stand Out Talent recently received Elly Award nominations for both direction and overall production of "Godspell."

Courtesy photoRoseville Theatre Arts Academy Artistic Director Michelle Raskey was nominated for three Elly Awards for 2011-12, which were announced Sunday.

Courtesy photoRoseville Theatre Arts Academy Musical Director Jennifer Vaughn was nominated for two Elly Awards for 2011-12, which were announced Sunday.

In only its first full season, the Roseville Theatre Arts Academy picked up 29 Elly Award nominations, which honor outstanding achievements by community theaters and artists in the greater Sacramento Area for 2011-12.

The local theater company earned the second-highest number of nominations, behind Sutter Street Theatre with 32. The nominations, totaling more than 400, were announced Sunday and winners will be honored in September.

The nonprofit Roseville Theatre Arts Academy incorporated in January 2011 and focuses on children's workshops, a "master's series" for more experienced actors, a community choir and classes in voice, dance and drama.

The academy's Elly nominations include 11 for "Once on This Island," nine for "Children of Eden," four for "Fairytale Idol," three for "Rapunzel (of the Bayou)" and two for "Alexander Who is Not Not Not Not Not Not Going to Move."

Stand Out Talent, which operates out of Tower Theater in Roseville, earned 13 Elly nominations, including for direction and overall production for "Godspell." Jason Bortz was recognized for his acting in "Anything Goes." Stand Out Talent opened in January 2011 as an arts production company and training facility.

The Sacramento Area Regional Theatre Alliance Elly Awards are named for the late Eleanor McClatchy, who was a devoted patron of the local arts.

The Youth Elly Awards Ceremony takes place at 7 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 16, at the Jill Solberg Theatre at Folsom High School, 1655 Iron Point Way in Folsom. Adult Elly Awards will be held at 7 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 23 at the Crest Theatre, 1013 K St. in Sacramento. For more information, visit www.sarta.com.